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Midland Counties |
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British Secret Projects Fighters & Bombers, 1935-1950 by Tony Buttler |
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Reviewed By Paul Bradley, #35554 |
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MSRP: $54.95 USD Tony Buttler has established himself as one of Britain’s, and indeed the World’s, leading aviation historians and with this volume he completes his trilogy on British aircraft projects. The previous two books covered the period from 1949 onwards and this tome completes the picture by focusing on the period from 1935 to 1950. Although this book focuses on designs that never flew; indeed, some appear to have not even made it beyond a written description, let alone to paper; there is also room enough to cover all the well-known types that did make it into the air and production. Each chapter deals with a different type of aircraft; single-engine fighter, turret fighter, heavy bomber, etc; but perhaps more conveniently, aircraft are grouped together depending on the specification or requirement they were designed to meet. One can therefore see at the turn of a page the designs that lost to, say, the Defiant or Stirling. This is fascinating stuff, as in some cases the winning aircraft was not necessarily the best design, but the most convenient or expedient, proving that politics did not just interfere with 1950’s aircraft procurement. Most of the design descriptions are illustrated by plans, artist’s impressions or photos of models, and, for those aircraft that flew, clear photos are included, just in case you have forgotten what a Spitfire looks like. Speaking of which, did you know that Supermarine put forward a turret fighter proposal based on the Spitfire? Oh, the inhumanity… At the end of the book is a small selection of color photos and a useful appendix listing projects by company, with some basic specifications. Buttler’s writing style is easy, but comprehensive and the book is never boring. It isn’t really a reading book, but one of those volumes that you can dip into at random and find much to intrigue. My only complaint, and a trifling one at that, is that there ought to be more paintings in the book like Keith Woodcock’s superb cover. I for one would like to have seen a painting of a Gloster Reaper in 603 Sqn markings, and there are more that deserve this sort of treatment. Still, this is a small sin of omission, and I cannot fault the book as it is. For those who enjoy the “What If…” this is another book from which many ideas will sprout, but it is also a fascinating book on the development of the British aircraft industry and the RAF during the critical period covered. Highly recommended! The book is obtainable from Specialty Press in the US. Call 1(800) 895 4585 for details and to order (Add $4.95 for shipping), or visit their website at www.specialtypress.com. Our sincere thanks to them for the review sample. |
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